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The University of Arizona Health Sciences

Systematic Review & Evidence Synthesis Information Guide (UAHSL-Tucson)

How do I get help with a review project?

Evidence synthesis reviews require a comprehensive literature search. 

A typical evidence synthesis project requires 12-18 months and a team of at least 3 people to complete. The library provides limited support and requires reasonable lead time and expectations for completion of these projects. The Cochrane Collaboration has reported that comprehensive literature searches for systematic reviews may require 3 to 8 months for completion.

Contact a Librarian for Help

Health sciences librarians are trained in designing and conducting searches for evidence synthesis reviews.  At the Health Sciences Library in Tucson, librarians provide two levels of help as their availability allows: consultation and collaboration.

ACTIVITY CONSULTATION COLLABORATION
Initial meeting to discuss the project X X
Included as a member of the research team   X
Request that effort be funded by grant/contract supporting the evidence synthesis (if applicable)   X
Guides researchers to resources on evidence synthesis methodologies and standards X X
Discusses the proposed research question in relation to type of review X X
Advises on databases and other resources to search X X
Advises on citation management tools for the project X X
Helps locate any prior reviews and/or protocols X X
Suggests resources to identify appropriate journals for publication X X
Provides feedback on search terms X X
Consults on search-related methodology and search strategies X X
Included as a co-author on all protocols, manuscripts, posters, meeting abstracts, and presentations   X
Develops the search strategies   X
Performs the searches   X
Writes relevant parts of the methods section in the protocol and manuscript as agreed-upon with the review team   X
Suggests resource for investigating quality assessment tools   X
Manages search results throughout the review process   X
Updates searches before manuscript is submitted for publication (if applicable)   X

 

Eligibility

UA Health Sciences librarians will not begin work on literature searches for evidence syntheses until a draft protocol has been provided, because a completed protocol can inform the search strategies and resources chosen by the librarian. The draft protocol should conform to guidelines consistent with your discipline and type of review, and include a description of the research question, the research team, and the evidence synthesis process you plan to follow.

University of Arizona students, staff, and faculty with primary appointments in the following units are eligible for support from HSL librarians:

  • College of Medicine-Tucson
  • College of Nursing
  • R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy
  • Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health
  • College of Veterinary Medicine
  • School of Nutritional Sciences and Wellness
  • Banner UMC-Tucson Residents and Fellows

Request an evidence synthesis consultation with a UA Health Sciences Librarian (Tucson affiliates only)

Students and faculty in COM-Phoenix should contact staff at the Phoenix Biomedical Library.  Students and faculty in UA colleges outside of the designated Health Sciences colleges listed above should contact Elizabeth Kline at klinee@arizona.edu.

Resources

For additional help, review our evidence synthesis FAQs.

For help with other kinds of searches or information needs, contact your Health Sciences librarian.